Full Review

Opera has released version 10.5 of its Web browser, claiming it's the fastest browser available for the Windows operating system. Opera 10.5 includes a new design and private browsing options.

Opera 10.5 uses a new JavaScript engine called Carakan and a new graphics library called Vega, which Opera says make this the fastest browser ever produced for Windows. Google Chrome also makes a similar claim--so further tests will have to decide that.

The first thing you will notice about Opera 10.5 is the refined interface, with a new Opera menu button that replaces the traditional menu bar. Tabs and open windows in Opera 10.5 work similar to the way they work in Google's Chrome browser, and it also features integration with Windows 7 Aero Glass, Aero Peek, and Jump lists.

Opera 10.5 uses a new JavaScript engine called Carakan and a new graphics library called Vega, which Opera says make this the fastest browser ever produced for Windows.

Another major addition to Opera 10.5 is the private browsing option, with a twist. Unlike Google Chrome or Apple Safari, Opera 10.5 lets you browse privately--and not only in a separate window, but also in a tab.